Hether Rachelle Archuleta (45) passed away on May 24, 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was born October 4, 1969 in Ft. Collins, CO to Kathy and Mark Szidon and was later adopted by Stephen Ruffus. She moved with Kathy and Stephen to Laguna Beach, CA where she went to kindergarten and then came to Salt Lake City. She had a refined gift for collecting porcelain knick-knacks and other trinkets. But as someone born in the 1960s, Hether was a real flower child and remained so all her life. She loved flowers, especially the stargazer lily, and made the most beautiful flower arrangements for people. Her two favorite star flowers were her twin children, Makenzie and Dylan. She fought to bring their beauty into the world, and fought as hard as she could to survive for them. Of the many things she loved to experience with them was her love for jeeping in Moab. The many trips she made there with her family formed some of their best memories together. For most of her adult life, Hether was a dispatcher for the Unified Police. She was extremely dedicated to her profession. She earned several acknowledgements and awards for her service, including the Sheriff's Star in 2011, and the gratitude of police for keeping them safe from harm. Last, she and her co-workers formed a great bond over more than 20 years. All who worked with Hether loved her for her humor and her beauty.
Hether is survived by her husband Tony, children Makenzie and Dylan; her mother and father, Kathy and Stephen Ruffus; her sister, Jessie (Dalton); her brother, Nick (Zeljka); her three grandmothers, Martha, Roseann, and Kalliope; Gizmo, the beloved family dog; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by Mark Szidon, Victor Szidon, Lawrence DeNayer, and Socrates Ruffus.
Services will be held on Saturday, May 30 at 11:00 a.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.), Sandy, UT. Friends may call on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. as well as Saturday from 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens. Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if you choose to make a donation, please go to http://www.gofundme.com/sv6n94.
